A focus on writing ‘for free’

By James Common, Managing Director of New Nature Magazine

Voluntary work is not just desirable for progression in the
environmental field, it is near mandatory. Although the prospect of yet
another ‘unpaid position’ may be daunting, such roles are often the only
way of providing cold, hard proof of the dedication and
passion so many of us mention instinctively on our CV’s. They also
allow us to accumulate core and transferable skills, network and
demonstrate that cherished ability to meet deadlines.

Thankfully, due to the rise of careers sites such as the Countryside
Jobs Service and the increasing prominence of social media, voluntary
opportunities in the great outdoors have never been easier to come by.
Although, sadly, the same cannot be said for opportunities in the
communicational side of conservation. Sure, a few internships and
placements are advertised from time to time but, by and large, aspiring
communicators are forced to think creatively when it comes to career
development.

Getting noticed in environmental media and communications is
difficult, as to write for well-known publications, you often require
experience of writing for other well-known publications. It’s a vicious
circle and ideas, however interesting, are seldom enough without
demonstrable experience. Whether we are talking editors, media
specialists or communications officers, all demand evidence that you can
string together a sentence, inform an audience and produce engaging
content. A difficult situation if ever there was one but one that can be
overcome with a little ingenuity.

To get your writing noticed, you need to think outside the box:
publishing your work online for all to see in as many places as
possible. This is where blogging comes in. Maintaining an online journal
or column immediately puts your work out there, allowing you to share
your opinions, stories and interests, and above all else, showcase your
passion [yes, that word again] for your chosen field. Whatever that may
be. It could be moths, microplastics or extinct marsupials – anything
goes.

The subject of your writing is entirely up to you; though whatever
you choose to discuss, blogging, coupled with the savvy use of social
media, may well mean that potential employers are aware of you before
you even walk into your next interview. Writing, tweeting or even
vlogging about nature is a great way to display dedication to a cause
and the ample feedback provided by the online community – environmental
commentators are more than happy to highlight mistakes, believe me - can
often help you develop your writing skills. This allows you to learn
what kind of wording works for a specific audience and, in your
ceaseless quest to share your work, teaches you a host of transferable
skills in SEO, keywords, promotions, web design, content management –
all vital parts of any communications role.

Of course, for those looking for something a little different, you can
also volunteer your time to write for existing platforms. From my
experience of writing for a range of charities and NGO’s, many
organisations, despite not openly advertising for such, welcome
voluntary submissions. In our day of increasing reliance on digital
content and social media, content is king, and providing your ideas fit
with the ethos of an organisation, a letter, email or even tweet of
enquiry can often lead to opportunities to get your work out there.
Doing this not only allows you to showcase your skills as a written
communicator but shows commitment to the organisations you hope one day
to work for. This shows you are willing to give your time freely to aid
in their success and, ultimately, stands you in good stead for the
future. All of which goes without mention of the useful contacts made
throughout the process – we all know the value of networking.

As we progress towards a more digital age, more and more platforms
are opening to allow prospective writers to showcase their work. Of
these, New Nature Magazine is
a prime example: readily taking submissions from early career
communicators and providing experience not just in writing, but in
pitching – a skill that will serve you well in later life. As the
founder of New Nature, I have observed early-career writers near
instantaneously picked up by bigger, mainstream platforms after
submitting voluntary posts to us. Thus, it is clear that writing
voluntarily can lead to bigger, brighter opportunities elsewhere. Just
look at countless young writers and bloggers who have contributed work
to A Focus on Nature and
Wildlife Articles – two
additional, great resources for early-career conservationists – now
publishing widely in the form of books and hard-hitting columns.

Personally, I have spent years of my life ‘communicating’ for free,
and while it has not all been plain sailing, it has certainly paid off:
leading to opportunities to write for magazines and books, contribute
guest blogs, attend educational events and even nervously blag my way
through TV appearances. All of which, in turn, have finally amounted to
my first ‘proper’ job in conservation communications.

If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone, so do not be afraid
to make your own luck, ask for opportunities, pitch your ideas and,
above all else, have an opinion. You never quite know where doing so
will lead you.